Classes currently on Zoom
Tired of neck and shoulder issues stopping you from doing what you love?
THESE CLASSES ARE FOR YOU!
These weekly classes are designed for older adults with neck and shoulder pain and tension. Classes combine movement exercises, body awareness, and education to relieve pain, increase range of motion, improve posture and more!
Classes are safe and gentle, and the class atmosphere is friendly and supportive. Everyone is welcome regardless of physical ability or experience.
Come find out how to release pain and move with greater ease!
Benefits of Classes
My students get many benefits from classes. The most common are:
- Less pain and tension
- Greater range of motion
- Better posture
- Lower stress
- Daily activities (e.g. walking, sitting, cooking, computing, gardening, etc.) become easier and more comfortable
To Register...
• Click on the class series below that you'd like to take.
• Complete the short registration form at the bottom of the class page.
• After registering, you'll receive an email with the Zoom links to join each class meeting in the series.
Audio Recordings
If you register for a series, you'll receive audio recordings of every class. This way, if you're unable to attend a class live, you can do it later using the recording.
Special Circumstances
- 50% Off Series for 2nd Person: If another person wants to do class together with you (ie, in the same space), you can add them for half price ($30 for series). Simply select “2 Spaces” in the pulldown, then enter “Duo” as the coupon code.
- 30% Off for Low Income: With so many people under financial hardship due to COVID-19, I'm offering 30% off to those who cannot afford to pay full price. When you register for a series or drop-in, just enter "30%" as the coupon code. If this is not within your means, please contact me—I want classes to be accessible to everyone who wants to take them.
Chair Classes: A chair with a somewhat firm seat such as a dining chair (couches and armchairs are too soft).
Floor Classes: Approx 5 x 7 ft space and a mat or carpet to lie on (ideally enough space that you could make a "snow angel"). A towel, kneelers or small pillow if needed during the lesson. And if it's cool, wear layers and/or have a blanket or space heater at the ready.
Device Camera: It's helpful to be able to see people so I can teach effectively. If you're willing, please have your video on and position the camera so you on your mat or chair are visible.
Device Power: If possible, have your device plugged in so you don’t run out of battery (this may also improve your Zoom connection). Quit unnecessary apps and windows to minimize load on your device.
Turn Ringer/Notifications Off: Minimize disruption by putting your cell phone in “do not disturb” or airplane mode (if Zoom’ing from a tablet or computer). If Zoom'ing in on your phone, silence your ringer & notification sounds.
More Help Setting Up: Watch this video created by a colleague, Lavinia Plonka.
How to Get Started
Quick Start Tutorials: Join a Meeting (part 1)and Join a Meeting (part 2)
In-Depth Tutorial: Getting started with Zoom (made by a teacher for her online music students)
Zoom Controls: Once you join the meeting, icons to control your microphone & video are at the bottom. At the top are controls to view me (Speaker View) or to see everyone (Gallery View).
Chat Feature: At the bottom is “Chat.” Use this to type a message to everyone, or privately to me or a specific classmate. If you have an issue during class (technical problem, need to leave unexpectedly, etc.), simply send me a message via the chat window.
Troubleshooting Tips
Your Audio/Video Freezes: Try closing other apps and browser windows on your device, plugging your device into a power source, moving closer to your wireless router and/or turning off your video.
You Get Disconnected or Class Ends Unexpectedly:If you get disconnected, simply rejoin the meeting using the same link as before. If something happens on my end and the "meeting" ends, I'll attempt to restore connection and restart the meeting. Please try rejoining the meeting.
What People Are Saying About My Online Zoom Classes...
"I've done a fair bit of online Feldenkrais classes and it's been hit or miss. Brandee's classes are a hit! She's really gifted." ~ Amy Forseth
"How come my walk is so much looser and I’m standing taller? Oh, that’s right. It’s because of Brandee and her class today!" ~ Cathy Cade
"That was such a GREAT class!! The combination of your tone, learnedness and clear instruction is wonderful." ~ Emily Galpern
June 2023 – No Classes
Jul 2023
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It’s All in the Ankles: Relieve Neck Pain and Tension (chair 2023) 07/11/2023 - 08/01/2023, 10:00 am - 11:00 am This class will be online. Zoom links will be sent after you sign up (use...Read More |
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How to Dial Down Stress for More Ease in Your Neck, Shoulders and Back (2023) 07/11/2023 - 08/01/2023, 11:15 am - 12:15 pm This class will be held online. Zoom links will be sent after you register (use...Read More |
Aug 2023
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A Little Low Back Love that Will Free Your Neck and Shoulders (chair 2023) 08/08/2023 - 08/29/2023, 10:00 am - 11:00 am This class will be online via Zoom. Zoom links will be sent after you register...Read More |
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Walking: One of the Best Medicines for Neck & Shoulder Problems (2023) 08/08/2023 - 08/29/2023, 11:15 am - 12:15 pm This class will be online via Zoom. Zoom links will be sent after you register...Read More |
Upcoming Classes
September
Ease Your Jaw for Happier Neck and Shoulders (chair)
Use Your Hands to Turn the Tables on Neck & Shoulder Pain (floor)
October
Top Tips for Turning Farther & More Easily (chair)
3 Breathing Secrets to Free Your Neck & Shoulders (floor)
November
Sit with More Comfort (chair)
It's All in the Ankles: Relieve Neck Pain & Tension (floor)
December
Ribs to the Rescue to Relieve Neck & Shoulder Pain (chair)
Low Back Love to Free Your Neck & Shoulders (floor)
Can't Come to Classes?
Do my audio classes in the comfort of your home!
Information for In-Person Classes (currently happening online due to COVID-19)
Tuesdays
10:00-11:00am (chair class)
11:15am-12:15pm (floor class)
Helios Corner Apartments
1531 University Ave (at Sacramento St.)
Berkeley, CA, 94703
4-week series – $60*
Drop-in – $20/class
You may pay with PayPal, Venmo, cash, check or credit card.
* Bonus Gift: Register for a class series by 8pm the Friday before it begins and you'll receive free audio recordings of the series.
Classes are designed for older adults (age 50+) with neck and shoulder issues. However, people of all ages find classes helpful for relieving back, hip and knee pain, as well as improving balance.
Classes use gentle movements and are safe for most people who are in pain, have an injury or are recovering from surgery.
Everyone is invited regardless of age or physical ability. Wheel chair users are welcome in the chair class.
Absolutely no experience necessary!
Classes are mostly done sitting in a chair (10am class) or lying on a mat on the floor (11:15am class). You don't need any experience to take these classes.
You’ll be verbally led through a series of movements. By slowing down and paying attention in ways you never have, tension begins to release and your movement abilities expand.
A large part of moving out of pain is learning to listen to and take care of yourself instead of ignoring or pushing through pain. So in these classes, you are invited to go at your own pace and encouraged to modify—or even just imagine—movements you find uncomfortable.
Register Online or In Person
- Online: Click on the class series below you'd like to take, then complete the short registration form at the bottom of that page.
- In Person: Before or after class on a Tuesday at Helios Corner. Note: If you want to register in person and get the bonus audio recordings, you must register by the Tuesday before the series starts.
Get a BONUS gift with Advanced Registration!
When you register by 8am the Friday before the first class of a series to receive a bonus gift: mp3 audio recordings of the series! After this deadline, you may still register online but will not receive the audio recordings.
Online Registration Closes 8pm Monday, the Night Before Class
If online registration has closed, you may still attend class. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to register and pay in person.
Drop-ins Welcome to Any Week of a Class Series
While it's best to do all the classes in a series, you may drop in to any class in a series. This is because most classes stand on their own—that is, they don't require having done the previous week's class.
You may register for a drop-in spot in advance online or you can register in person. In the case of the latter, please arrive at least 10 minutes early to sign up and pay in person.
Cancellation Deadline
You may cancel your registration up until 8am the Friday before the first class of the series. No refunds or credits will be issued after this time. Class registration is non-transferable.
To cancel a registration, please email or call me.
Your Choice: Refund or Credit
If you cancel your registration by the deadline (8am the Friday before the first class of the series), you may choose to receive a refund (minus a 15% service charge) OR apply the full amount as credit for another series (credit must be used within 60 days).
Missed Classes (and Purchasing Audio Recordings)
There are no make-ups, credits or refunds for missed classes. However, if you did Advanced Registration, you’ll receive the audio recordings of the series. You can then “make up” the class you missed by doing the audio lesson at home.
If you did not register in time to receive the recordings, you may purchase them at the special student price of $5/individual or $15/4-wk series (public price is $7/individual or $22/4-wk series).